Augusto Zamora perceives three significant movements that are currently shaping Latin America: first is the newly cemented Peruvian relationship with Brazil, second is the reform that Evo Morales is carrying out in the Andean Community of Nations (CAN), and third is the possible resolution of Bolivia and Chile‘s age-old conflict over access to the ocean. If the left wins in the upcoming elections in Mexico, Ecuador and Nicaragua, and if Lula and Chavez are reelected in Brazil and Venezuela, Zamora believes that Latin America will enter into a period of change, unity, and solidarity.

Pedro G. Cavallero sheds light on Argentinean President Néstor Kirchner‘s aggressive policies by looking at Argentina‘s past and through the study of History. Cavallero explains the motives behind the current Kirchner‘s antagonism towards a large number of social, political, and economic groups in Argentina, including the military and the Church, and states that with the next elections quickly approaching, his leadership becomes evident.

Bernardo Kliksberg analyzes the importance of corporate responsibility and how ethical conduct in businesses and corporations allows everyone to win: both the society, and the businesses themselves. Kliksberg points out which countries are the most advanced in corporate responsibility, discusses how companies are competing to lead the fight for ethical business, and explains why, thanks to growing social pressure from investors and consumers, corporate responsibility has won the battle of ideas in today’s world of globalization. Far from being a passing fad, social responsibility appears to be here to stay.

Amaia Sánchez explains why Sri Lanka‘s fragile peace is crumbling as a consequence of the armed conflicts between the government of Colombo and the guerilla organization the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Sánchez points out that the official classification by the European Union of the LTTE as a terrorist organization has not helped to dissuade the group from continuing violence, nor has it stopped the escalation of the conflict. Sri Lanka finds itself now before the imminent and horrifying possibility of a return to open war.

Ricardo Israel Z. discusses the recent series of student protests in Chile and how their onset has rattled the claims of the Chilean government that the country is living a period of stability. The protests have demonstrated the urgent need for improvement in the quality of Chilean education, and the importance of equal access to education for all citizens of Chile. Israel Z. believes that if Chile really wants to make progress towards improving its society, it must compare itself not only to countries that are worse off, but also to more successful countries. He explains how the penguins (high school students) have influenced public opinion in Chile and how they have rallied for better education through protests, cell phones, and the Internet.

Mercedes Herrero explains how Russia is taking advantage of the European Union‘s dependence on its natural gas in order to form privileged economic relationships, as well as quiet Europe‘s complaints about Russian internal affairs (such as the violation of human rights in Chechnya), and garner support for its own possible entry into the World Trade Organization. Herrero sheds light on the route of natural gas from Russia to the EU, on the reactions of Poland, Slovenia, and Ukraine to Russian pressure, and on why Brussels has decided to accept Russia‘s extortion in order to avoid instability in Europe‘s natural gas supply.

Edgardo Mocca criticizes the analysis made about the arrival in power of Evo Morales in Bolivia –and the application of nationalizing policies– which, in his opinion, have been done out of context without considering the immediate past of the country. In this light, the author looks diachronically at Bolivia, and explains why we have to be careful with the childish left and with the demonization and extortion insinuated from some neoliberal circles. South America needs a democratic and pacifist Bolivia, capable of maintaining its unit as a Nation. Mocca believes that the dialog is opened, and it seems to be the only pragmatic and effective current formula to preserve the democratic governability.

Sagrario Morán discusses the three phases that must be passed through in order for the terrorist organization ETA to come to an end. The first phase, which has already almost reached its completion, is the establishment of a permanent cease-fire. The second phase is the opening of a dialogue between the Spanish government and ETA. And once all violence has ended, the moment will have arrived in order to begin the third phase of the peace process: the formation of a mediation board between the political parties.

Abduljalil Sajid considers how principles of democracy as a government form embody ideals most in line with Muslim belief, though not explicitedly stated in the Qu´ran. Sajid identifies the three most central ideals to islamic belief: pursuing justice, establishing a non-autocratic governance, and institutionalising compassion. Therefore, adherance to a government most in line with these principles, in Imam Sajidi‘s opinion, subscribes to faith in democracy.